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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan reaffirms unwavering belief in multilateralism
Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering belief in multilateralism, preventive diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes as the UN General Assembly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the singing of the UN Charter, calling it a "pillar of international peace, justice, and cooperation". "Let this anniversary be not only a moment of remembrance, but also a call to actiona collective pledge to restore trust in multilateralism and to revitalise the very ideals upon which United Nations was founded," Pakistani delegate Saima Saleem told the Assembly's special meeting, highlighting the outstanding issues of Palestine and Kashmir. Representatives of 50 nations signed the Charter in San Francisco, California, on June 26, 1945, with Poland signing later, bringing the total to 51 founding members, according to the UN. It came into effect on October 24, 1945, after ratification by the signatory nations. From 50 members in 1945, the United Nations' membership has now grown to 193. At the outset of the commemoration, General Assembly President Philemon Yang described the moment as "symbolic" but somber, noting ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and the growing challenges to multilateralism. He urged nations to choose diplomacy over force and uphold the Charter's vision of peace and human dignity: "We must seize the moment and choose dialogue and diplomacy instead of destructive wars." Ms Saleem, a counsellor at the Pakistan Mission the UN, said In the eight decades since 1945, the UN has served as a beacon of hope for countless nations and peoples. "The Charter's principlessovereign equality, right to self-determination, non-use of force, respect for human rights, and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain as vital and relevant today as they were at San Francisco," she said. "Yet, the world we inhabit is fraught with new and complex challenges: Ongoing conflicts, foreign occupation, climate change, inequalities, and violations of international law demand renewed commitment to the Charternot in words alone, but in collective action," the Pakistani delegate said. "Nowhere is this more urgent than in the case of long-standing disputes such as Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, where the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions continues to deny people their right to self-determination."
Arab News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan warns global order under ‘immense strain' at UN Charter anniversary
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday warned of a global order under 'immense strain' as it raised concern over growing violations of international norms and rising unilateral military actions, while addressing the Forum of Small States in New York to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter. The UN Charter, signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, laid the foundation for international peace, sovereignty and justice following World War II. Pakistan's remarks come as the world witnessed two major military crises in South Asia and the Middle East in the last two months. In May, nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan exchanged artillery fire, drones and missiles in a brief but intense conflict before reaching a ceasefire. Weeks later, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran, targeting uranium enrichment facilities and nuclear infrastructure in what Tehran called an unprovoked act of war. 'The UN Charter remains our moral compass and legal foundation,' Pakistan's Counsellor at the UN, Saima Saleem, said. 'Yet today, we confront a global order under immense strain— marked by a growing disregard for international law, persistent and emerging conflicts, and a disturbing resurgence of unilateralism.' 'The voices of the vulnerable— especially peoples under foreign occupation, like the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine— remain marginalized and their right to self-determination denied, despite the solemn promises of the Charter,' she added. Calling for 'inclusive multilateralism that delivers,' Saleem urged reforms to strengthen the UN's effectiveness, including revitalizing the General Assembly's authority and ensuring impartial implementation of Security Council resolutions. 'Selective application of international law and the UN Charter erodes faith in global governance. Its equal enforcement restores it,' Saleem said. She also called for concrete action to ensure sustainable development, digital cooperation, youth and gender inclusion, climate resilience and peaceful dispute resolution. 'Multilateralism remains humanity's best hope,' she said. 'It must be re-energized, not replaced.' The Forum of Small States is an informal group founded by Singapore in 1992. It offers a platform for smaller UN member states to coordinate positions and amplify their voices in global diplomacy. With over 100 members, it is now one of the largest informal blocs at the UN.
